Puppy Socialization Checklist (from S.R. Dog Training, New York)

Proper puppy socialization is an essential component to raising a happy and well-balanced dog. A puppy’s formative period has a direct correlation to their long-term well-being. For this reason, it’s imperative that you properly take advantage of this by using this Puppy Socialization Checklist.

The operant word is “proper”. When socializing a puppy, it’s critical that all interactions be positive, not just neutral and certainly not bad. If puppies get early and frequent positive experiences with varying people, objects, noises, settings, etc. it will help develop their confidence, ability to handle stress, and overall knowledge of the world.

Below is a list of various elements of life worth considering for socialization. Use your discretion to determine with is safe and appropriate for your puppy. You can also note your dog’s response to each exposure: Ex. displays of aggression (growl, bark, lunge), Avoidance, Freezing, Calm/Relaxed, Able to Take Treats, etc.

In conjunction to this, use specific Dog Training Sound Effects to help positively condition your puppy to noises.

Touch & Handling:

Checking Ears
Examining Teeth and Gums
Squeezing Paws
Trimming Toenails
Holding Puppy in Your Arms
Holding in Your Lap
Laying Puppy on its Back for a Bell Rub
Grabbing Collar
Giving a Bath
Drying With a Towel

Unfamiliar People:

Women
People of Varying Ethnicities
Men
Men with Variations (Wearing a Hat, Tall Men, Deep Voice, etc.)
People Wearing Sunglasses
People with Canes or Walkers
Teenagers
People Running
Children Playing Near By

Dogs:

Well-Behaved Dog
Well-Behaved Dog Who Will Appropriately Correct for Over-Stepping Boundaries
Other Puppies

Other Animals:

Cats
Farm Animals
Other Household Pets

Varying Surfaces:

Concrete
Hardwood Floors, Linoleum, Tile, Marble
Steel Surfaces (Manhole Covers or Vet Scales)
Elevated Surfaces
Uneven Surfaces
Stairs of Different Material (Wood, Concrete, Steel, etc.)
Wet Grass
Snow

Objects With Wheels:

Skateboards
Rollerblades
Garbage Cans
Shopping Carts
Baby Strollers
Wheel Chairs
Bikes
Cars
Busses/Large Trucks
Motorcycles

Man-Made Objects & Buildings:

Pots and Pans
Vacuums
Brooms
Balloons
Umbrellas
Plastic Bags Blowing
Inside Dog-Friendly Buildings
Suburban Neighborhoods
City Streets

Positive frequent socialization is critical to raising a happy and healthy puppy. Exposing your dog to various sounds and noises is also critical.

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